Merlier wins chaotic stage 7 sprint

Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) powered to victory in a frantic bunch sprint on stage 7 of the Tour de France 2026. The Belgian navigated a hectic finale to launch his sprint at the perfect moment, holding off a fast-finishing Søren Wærenskjold (Uno-X Mobility) at the line.

Wærenskjold came close but settled for second place, with Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling Team) rounding out the podium in third. The general classification contenders finished safely in the main group, with Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) retaining the yellow jersey.

The 175 km stage unfolded as predicted, with a small breakaway controlled all day by the sprinters' teams, setting up the inevitable mass gallop to the line.

The pan-flat 175 km stage was always destined for a bunch sprint. From the outset, a two-rider move animated the day, with Baptiste Veistroffer (Lotto-Intermarché) and Jakub Otruba (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) pushing clear and quickly building a lead of over two minutes.

The peloton showed no alarm as the sprinters' teams immediately took control. Soudal Quick-Step and Alpecin-Premier Tech were prominent at the front, setting a steady tempo that ensured the breakaway's advantage was carefully managed.

The gap was held at a stable one to two minutes for over 100 km in a classic script for a sprinter's stage. The two leaders worked well together but were powerless against the organised chase, and the catch was made with plenty of time for the lead-out trains to form.

• Merlier's win was a masterclass in positioning. He navigated the chaotic final kilometre perfectly, proving he can win even without a textbook lead-out.
• A huge result for Wærenskjold and Uno-X Mobility. His powerful late surge for second place shows he can challenge the best sprinters on the biggest stage.
• Fifth place for Jasper Philipsen will be a disappointment. The usually dominant Alpecin-Premier Tech train seemed to falter in the final moments.
• A welcome quiet day for the GC contenders. Pogačar and the other favourites were well-protected and finished safely, saving energy for tougher stages to come.